Are you looking for a fluffy anime that makes you feel warm and fuzzy, with no drama involved, that also makes you say ‘SUKI DESU!’ out loud when the main characters look at each other while blushing? Then I have a special treat for you! Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence (Shiro Seijo to Kuro Bokush) from studio Doga Kobo, adapted from the manga by Kazutake Hazano.
In this anime, the story revolves around a small hilltop church where Pastor Lawrence takes care of Saint Cecilia, who possesses mysterious powers that protect the villagers. While she appears dignified in public, her lazy side emerges when alone with the pastor. Despite being the guardian of the villagers, Cecilia secretly harbors a crush on Lawrence, accompanying him on shopping trips and offering divine protection daily. Lawrence remains unaware of her true feelings, but their bond deepens as Cecilia begins to express her affection openly.
Synopsis: In a certain church there lives a cute but lazy saint and an earnest but overprotective pastor who is also a skilled cook. As they live their quiet lives, the saint who is secretly in love and the oblivious pastor weave an unintentionally flirtatious romantic comedy. Where will their frustratingly slow-moving relationship end up–?! (Crunchyroll)
I’ve delved into the world of romance anime quite extensively, exploring various themes like slow burns, tumultuous relationships with toxic characters, and everything in between. However, the Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence anime I recently stumbled upon offered a refreshing departure from the norm. It’s a unique experience that eschews the typical drama and toxic character dynamics that often permeate the genre. Sometimes, you just yearn for a narrative that allows you to sit back, relax, and bask in the gradual growth and development of each character, and this anime delivers precisely that.
The narrative at the heart of this anime is a simple yet compelling one – the journey of a saint and a pastor. What sets this anime apart is its ability to weave a captivating story without relying on excessive melodrama or over-the-top conflicts. Instead, it opts for a more subtle and genuine approach, focusing on the emotional evolution of the characters.
One of the most commendable aspects of this anime is its ability to capture the essence of personal growth and self-discovery. It’s not just about romantic entanglements; it’s about the profound changes that occur within the characters as they navigate their lives and relationships. The slow-paced nature of the storytelling allows you to truly immerse yourself in the characters’ journeys, making their development all the more satisfying to witness.
As someone who thoroughly enjoyed the Saint Cecilia and Pastor Lawrence anime, I’m already planning to delve even deeper into the story by picking up the manga. There’s a great charm to the world created by the author. The anime may have attracted my interest, but the manga promises to provide an even richer and more immersive experience.
In conclusion, this anime serves as a refreshing departure from the typical romance anime tropes. It offers a heartwarming and authentic journey of self-discovery and personal growth, all while eschewing the unnecessary drama and toxic relationships that often plague the genre. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling when done right, and I can’t wait to continue my adventure with the characters in the manga version until the sun begins to rise.
Screenshots via Crunchyroll
© Hazano, Kazutake / Aniplex of America / Doga Kobo